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# 3771 A Tall Shaila
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Q. The Gemoro makes it quite clear that a shul should be higher than the roofs of where people live. In an area which has houses, this may not be so difficult, but in a city full of apartment buildings, how does one adhere to this rule? Does it make a difference if there are balconies or roof tops that are used and are above the level of the shul?
A. The Talmud (Shabbos 11a) and Shulcha Aruch (O.H. 150: 2) specifies that the shul should be the tallest building in town, and warns that any city in which the roofs of houses are higher than the synagogue will eventually be destroyed.
However, in modern cities, the above is not practical. The modern high structure of buildings we need, and the zoning laws of our times create a new reality. As such, it is permitted for one to build one’s house taller than the synagogue—though it is preferable to refrain from doing so when possible. (Mishna Berura ibid. 5). Therefore, adjoining balconies or roof tops would not matter in our times.
There are other interpretations to the Talmudic requirement that the shul should be the tallest building, some of them are:
Meiri (Shabbos 11a) explains that it refers to the height of the internal hall of the shul, namely that the ceiling, should be higher than customary rooms in houses.
Zichron Yehuda (1: 59) quoting Rambam, maintains that it applies only when building a new shul.
Orach Neeman (O.H. 151) opines that it refers to the beauty of the building itself and not the actual height.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/7/2022 10:29 PM |
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# 3770 Body Shame?
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Q. If the above is permitted, can it be done as a regular business? (I resold that head at a great gain).
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not make a business of this kind, since it also denigrates human life.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:43 AM |
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# 3769 Watch the Head
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Q. Dear Rabino, it was great communicating again after so many years. I got an unusual question, as I told you, I much enjoy visiting the old open market places in Mexico City and other smaller villages, sometimes you find most unusual items and I like to buy and then resell in other countries at a high profit.
I found recently a stand that sold shrunken human heads the seller said he got secretively from Ecuador. They were not expensive and out of curiosity I bought one. After having a medic inspect it and giving a letter that it was indeed human, I found a client in the a Northern country that was willing to pay a considerable price and used for a conversation item for his many guest.
My question is is one allowed to derive ant benefit from human bodies (non-Jewish)?
A. Poskim disagree whether a Gentile's body is prohibited from deriving benefit of it and in need it is permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it can in principle be sold.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:41 AM |
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# 3768 Catch that Name!
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Q. See question above. In a large shul where there is two people with the same name and one is a Levi, should then this title be included in the name? Will the title be said after the end of the name that includes the mother, or after his name?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that indeed in such an unusual case the title should be included to distinguish between the individuals.
The title should be said after the man's name.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:37 AM |
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# 3767 Making a Name
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Q. When one davens for a Choleh (sick person) does one include in the name the Cohen or Levi title?
A. The common custom is not to mention any titles when reciting a Mi Sheberach for the ill.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:35 AM |
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# 3766 The Strange Blessing
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Q. Hello Rav, regarding the bracha on people with unusual feature and on strange animals (meshane haberiyot), I read that you can't say it if you've seen them before. Would seeing them in pictures (not in person) make it prohibited to then say the bracha when seeing them in person? Any difference for sephardim? Thanks.
A. On question 1816 regrading this brocho when watching an unusual fighting match on a screen we wrote :
On question 1712 regarding reciting the blessing of birchas hailonos on flowering trees, we wrote; Ateres Paz (p. 224) quotes Horav O. Yosef zt’l that one recites birchas hailonos when observing the flowering fruit trees using binoculars or a monocular tube. Avnei Chen (26: 20), distinguishes between simple straight telescopes and the more evolved instruments that employ mirrors and the reflection of prisms. Pesach Hadbir (224: 10) equally permits their use for the brocho recited on a king.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar. The Rov also wrote a teshuva in Maayanei Shlomo (O.H. 77) in regards to different halachos involved in the use of mirrors and lenses.
Poskim therefore agree that watching any phenomena were we recite a special brocho on, is limited to only seeing it directly and not in a screen or a picture. (Betzel Hachochmo 2: 16, Piskei Teshuvos 224: 12)."
As is Poskim maintain that on very unusual cases you can recite the brocho again after thirty days
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:34 AM |
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# 3765 But, not that Late
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Q. See question above: Does a woman that usually davens every day also daven Ma'ariv?
A. Most Poskim maintain that women are not obligated to daven Ma’ariv, since Ma’ariv was initially established as a voluntary prayer even for men, and while eventually men accepted Ma’ariv as an obligation, women did not.
A minority opinion holds that women should daven Ma’ariv as well if they are able due to their family and home duties. See Aruch ha-Shulchan 3.106:7 and Kaf Ha-Chayim 299:62, and this is the custom of some women.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:32 AM |
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# 3764 Never Too Late?
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R-e question 3744. I'm still confused. I understand from the answer that once a woman davens Shabbos morning she should wait to hear kiddush before eating. But is there a time limit as to how long she can drink and hold off with davening? if she wakes up late, say 11.AM, can she still drink before she begins to daven?
A. Poskim maintain that a woman who davens usually Shemone Esrei, should do so before the end of Z'man Tefilah (before 11.00 AM depending on the date. See Shulchan Aruch O.H. 89: 1). This tradition of davening Shemone Esrei, should be kept voluntarily, after expressing that it is 'Beli Neder'.
After the fact, if a woman is unable to daven before then, she may daven Shemone Esrei until Chatzos or midday (See Rav M. Feinstein quoted in Ko Somar l’Beis Yaakov, pg. 34); and Machazeh Eliyahu 19:5-14).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 7/1/2022 10:30 AM |
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# 3763 Carefully Join the Party
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Q. On a Friday night early Shabbos Sheva Brochos, someone who wants to join but unlike the rest of the people that already prayed Maariv, he has not. Since he usually davens when night sets in and he is needed on that later minyan. Can he wash and begin eating since it is already close to Shabbos (After Plag), or he is not allowed to eat that late so close to Shabbos?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that he may wash hands and eat only a Kezais (30 gr.) of bread.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/26/2022 3:36 PM |
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# 3762 Honor the King!
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Q. Do people have to stand when the Chosson gets an Aliya and walks towards the Torah?
A. Poskim write that it is the minhag to stand for him since he is considered as a king. (Orchos Chaim - H. Kiddushin p. 66, Rokeach 355 and others)
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 12:08 PM |
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# 3761 Say Kaddish for this Shaila?
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Q. Can a Ger recite Kaddish for his dear father that did not convert, but was very good and helpful to him, practically from the ' Chasidei Umot Haolam', (righteous of the nations)?
A. Z'kan Aharon (2; 86) maintains that although it is for many a surprising tradition, it is proper in such a case to recite Kaddish for his Gentile father, although it is not an obligation.
Mimamakim (3: 8) deals with reciting Kaddish for a non-Jewish woman, that saved the life of many persecuted during W.W.11.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that Kaddish should not be recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 12:05 PM |
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# 3760 Up with the Chosson
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Q. On the Shabbos Sheva Brochos (the one after the wedding), is the Chosson a chiyuv to get an Aliya? What if there is a Yohrzait who always gets Maftir on that Shabbos, who has priority?
A. Mogen Avrohom (282), Biur Halocho (136) and others maintain that the Choson should be given an Aliya on the Shabbos after the wedding, especially if it was on Wednesday and closer to Shabbos. However, there is no obligation to honor him with Maftir, therefore the Yohrzait who always gets Maftir on that Shabbos, has priority
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 12:00 PM |
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3759 A Sefer on New Seforim II
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A Sefer on New Seforim II Q. Does one make a Shecheyanu bracha when a new Sefer Torah is donated and introduced to the Shul?
A. See question above. On question 3736 we wrote: "Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the Sefer Torah should not be donated but rather lend to the shul as is often done. Besides, the Rov added that in our days the Sefer Torah should undergo a computerized test to check if no letters are erased or missing."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it may be proper to recite the blessing of Hatov Vehametiv in such a case, since many will benefit from it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 11:55 AM |
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# 3758 A Sefer on New Seforim
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Q. Does one make a Shecheyanu bracha when buying or receiving a new beautiful Shas or any other precious Sefer?
A. Mishna Berura (223: 13) quotes a disagreement between Poskim if a Shecheyanu bracha should be recited for new seforim, since after all 'Mitzvos Lav Lehenos Nitnu' or they were not given for physical enjoyment.
He quotes Chaye Adam that if one was searching for this sefer, and rejoices when he found it he may make that brocho.
Rs"Z Auerbach zt'l (Halichos Shlomo (1: 23: 17), recommends in such a case to recite Shecheyanu on another item and have in mind the sefer.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:52 AM |
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# 3757 Stay Apart
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Q. When traveling by plane and walking on the corridor, most often one is going to have to walk between two women seating in the aisle seats. To avoid the prohibition involved, should one take a jacket or other object in one hands to create a separation?
A. Horav Chaim Kanievsky zt'l maintains that one can be lenient when the women are seated in those seats. (Shilhei Dekayito p.168)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that holding a separating object such as a magazine or a paper helps.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:51 AM |
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# 3756 Dressed to Kill?
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Q. See question above. If these two women are, as is common nowadays not dressed with Tz'nius (decor), can I still take out a sefer and learn Torah next to them?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 75: 2) rules that one may not read the shema or recite any blessing, including any other expression that is considered a ‘dovor shebekedusha” or holy articulation, in front of a woman who is not dressed properly and even has her hair uncovered, including one's own wife. (Mishna Berura ibid 1).
On question 278 regarding if one should avoid learning Torah while one has to contemplate the ervos walking in front of you in the street or when driving in the Summer days. we wrote:
"Mogen Avrohom (85,2) quoting Talmud Shabbos 150a rules that it is permitted to think Torah thoughts in front of an ervoh or immodestly clad person, only verbalizing is prohibited. “Shomeah keoneh” or listening (to a brocho) is like answering, does not apply in the context of learning Torah. (see Avnei Tzion 2,8 in regards to writing divrei Torah facing an ervoh).
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a commented in addition, that the windshield which is often tinted, although by itself it does not permit the articulation of words of kedusha, (see Mishna Berura 75,5 on ervoh beashoshis), it does provide a further added reason to be lenient and listen to a light Torah tape while driving safely."
However, in your case of seating between two women improperly dressed, if possible, you may just think in learning with closed eyes. I that is not an option and learning from a Sefer is required, Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that in need it is permitted.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:49 AM |
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# 3755 Talk the Walk
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Q. Dear Rov, I have a few questions concerning traveling by plane this days, when the planes are very often totally full.
If I'm given a seat between two women and I have already asked them if they would kindly change seats with me but they refuse, Do I have to offer them some monetary compensation to avoid the prohibition involved?
A. The source for this tradition is the Talmud Pesachim (111a) that teaches; Three should not be allowed to pass between two people walking along a road, and people should not walk between two of them, and one of them is a woman. Talmud Horios (13b) mentions that this is one of the ten acts that cause the forgetting of the Torah. Although this Halacha is quoted in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (50: 8), although it is omitted in Shulchan Aruch, yet the minhag is kept.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one does not to compensate monetarily the women to change seats if they refuse after being asked to kindly do so. (See questions 1655 and 2955),
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:47 AM |
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# 3754 Fill Your Boots
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Q. Can one use a wine-skin or Bota Bag Canteen, made from animal skin to carry wine and other liquids?
A. Those wine or liquid containers are mentioned repeatedly in the Talmud and Poskim.
Talmud Shabbos (110b) mentions the tying up of 'Noidos" or leather wine boots (Rashi) on Shabbos.
Thamud (Avoda Zara (29b) quotes opinions on using the ones already used by Gentiles with their non-kosher wine.
We read (from mibotadevino.com and others) that historically, the Spanish Leather Wine Bota (boot) Bag or Canteen Flask Pouch Container, also known as a wine-skin, is a soft canteen designed to carry liquids, especially wine, in the great outdoors and across long distances. They have been used by various cultures and civilizations for centuries and have an especially long history in Spain.
The skin are usually used in the traditional wine-skin is natural goat skin. Once dried they are tanned with vegetable extracts or tannins, which is shredded bark collected from trees (mimosa, pine and oak), sealing it on the inside. The resin, after being heated is applied to the interior and allowed to cool at which point the Bota is already waterproofed.
The resin is extracted from pine or juniper trees and prepared at high temperatures by the craftsman to seal the interior of the Bota.
In latex wine-skins, the resin is replaced by introducing a latex bladder that performs the same function of waterproofing.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that since the animal leather is treated extensively to avoid any absorbance of the liquids stored in them, it is permitted to use them as it was in ancient times.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:45 AM |
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# 3753 Miracles Do Happen
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Q. Dear Rov and friend; As we spoke before, I had an accident last week. I tripped and fell into the street when stepping out from my home, hurt my head on the sidewalk and started bleeding. I was rushed to the nearest hospital, and then a true miracle happened. The prominent and also well connected physician treating me examined carefully the sides of my head also and noticed a lump on the left side on the back.
He urged me to have a biopsy done immediately, as I was already in the hospital and he pulled some strings to do so. It showed that it was a malignant life-threatening cancerous tumor already beginning metastases. The good doctor urged me to stay in the hospital and again with Hashem's and his help it was promptly removed. Do I have to recite Hagomel this Shabbat when I return home and go to shul, for the two miracles that happened to me?
A. Surprisingly Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that no 'Hagomel' bracha is required. However, great recognition to Hashem's favors should be done and not only good deeds should be carried out but a Seudas Hoda'a is recommended.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/24/2022 10:42 AM |
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# 3752 Get Full Testimony
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Q. During the Chupa ceremony the officiating Rabbi after reading aloud the Ketuba, (Marriage Document), gives the document over to the Chosson (groom), so he can then give it to the bride and she usually transfers it to her mother for temporary safekeeping.
Does that has to be done also in the presence of the witnesses who just testified at the prior ring giving ceremony under the Chupa?
A. Poskim disagree if witnesses are required for the transfer of the Ketuba and if is also part of the Kedushim or not.
Tashbatz (3: 301) and others maintain that they are required. However many Poskim rule that testimony is not needed. (Seder Kesuva Kehilchasa Ch. 8).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that on the onset it is better to ask the witnesses to also observe that act.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
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Posted 6/19/2022 5:39 PM |
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Important Numbers
